For the third time in 12 months, North Walkden FC have suffered damage to their youth team football pitches.
Last night, North Walkden FC announced via X (Twitter) that four of their Amblecote pitches were vandalised by off road bikes.
@salford_mayor @MayorofGM @gmpolice when are you going to take action on this. We report this on a weekly basis. Bikes not only ruining the pitches but driving dangerously down the footpaths when children and elderly are using it. We have 4 pitches unplayable for the foreseeable. pic.twitter.com/up9qdrrg76
— North Walkden FC (@north_walkdenfc) October 1, 2023
The Salford football outfit’s pitches suffered a similar battering in October, and November of last year, when their Amblecote and Kenyon way pitches were left unplayable for months after tire marks were left overnight.
North Walkden FC’s club treasurer John Thomas said: “It’s a regular occurrence. Last season, the pitches were out for the whole season due to the vandalism, so it’s no shock.
“It’s the damage it leaves. The vandals don’t realise what it costs to fix the pitches. It has a massive impact on the football club.
“Last season, at one point we had one 11 aside pitch for 24 teams. Well, you can imagine what that pitch ended up looking like.”
Mr Thomas finished: “With 24 teams, that’s a lot of children. And if they can’t play football here, you can lose players to other clubs or the players could end up becoming part of the antisocial behaviour itself.”
There has been reaction from various Twitter accounts in response to the vandalism.
Twitter use, @melanieashwort3, said: “When will action be taken? When a child is killed? How many warnings do you need before there is a tragedy which could have been avoided. Is the local children’s safety not considered in the council budget? Shame on this council.”
Another Twitter user, @azzamac99, said: “It’s a joke this all the time it’s happening!! Something needs to be done!! Running pitches for grassroots football kids and adults!!”
Salford City Council have put out a statement regarding the vandalism on Twitter: “Our neighbourhood team is working with the club on repairs and what further access restrictions can be made.
“They have been in touch today with the club and the local policing team are increasing patrols.”
Our neighbourhood team is working with the club on repairs and what further access restrictions can be made. They have been in touch today with the club and the local policing team are increasing patrols.
— Salford City Council (@SalfordCouncil) October 2, 2023
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